Gov. Mary Fallin endorses the work of Jordan's Crossing, an Oklahoma City substance abuse center

But Starla got an opportunity not many women with substance abuse problems receive.

She has spent the past five months getting clean and sober at Jordan's Crossing. And Friday, Starla, with her infant daughter in her arms, shook hands with Gov. Mary Fallin who congratulated her on a job well done.

Jordan's Crossing is a substance abuse treatment center in Oklahoma City that specializes in women with dependent children and pregnant or postpartum women. The center has 72 residents, which includes both women and their children.

The center provides women with chemical dependency and mental illness with therapeutic interventions and education that helps them maintain sobriety and become better parents, according to the state Mental Health Department.

Mental health advocates say addiction is one of the most pressing and devastating public health problems facing Oklahoma.

For the past several years, Oklahoma has held the highest female incarceration rate in the nation.

Gov. Mary Fallin said Friday that places like Jordan's Crossing offer a safe environment where women can find recovery and teach their children a better way of life.